LIVERPOOL city council has been cleared after an investigation into wildlife vandalism.

Police and officials from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds were notified following an incident at Walton Hall Park when contractors began pruning trees which held blackbird nests.

Destroying the nests of blackbirds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, punishable by £1,000 fine.

The council escaped prosecution because wildlife officers had been consulted beforehand and the nests are a year old.

Ken Orme, 59, from Walton, witnessed the contractors cutting the trees, and said: "I was very shocked because destroying the blackbirds' nests causes them great danger.

"The trees were not diseased so there doesn't seem any legitimate reason for pruning them."

Tim Melling, conservation officer for the RSPB, said: "Pruning trees where blackbirds are nesting is illegal. We usually advise that April is not a good time to carry out pruning."

A Merseyside police spokeswoman said: "A wildlife officer was consulted about the actions taken by the council and it was decided that no further action would be taken."

A spokesman for the council said: "The work in Walton Hall Park involves pollarding poplars. This is aimed at ensuring improved woodland management in the park. Normally this would be completed by March in order not to disturb birds' nests. This particular work, however, was slightly delayed.

"All contractors have been reminded of their obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in relation to birds' nests.

"In the case of Walton Hall Park we have spoken to the police and the RSPB and they have told us that no further action will be taken."